Home Office Reveal

2020 was easily one of the most unexpectedly tragic years in recent history. The whole world changed seemingly overnight and we all suddenly found ourselves working from home.

Working from home meant we all needed to find a set up that lent itself to productivity and a some sense of normalcy. While I’ve always a dedicated office, I never really used it. It was an uninspiring white box—the kiss of death to a creative—that I basically used a storage space for the tons of PR packages that show up week after week. But suddenly I was inspired to actually transform the boring box into my dream office.

Designing this space has essentially taken my 3 years. I’ve very very slowly purchased items for the space, but never quite pulled it altogether. And to be honest, even though I was in need of a creative space and outlet, there came a point in those early pandemic days where just staying safe, sane and healthy was my one and only priority. So the project continued to stall.

BUT…it’s finally finished! It was a labor of love and quite frustrating at times, but now that’s it done it’s easily my favorite room in my home. I can’t wait to get up and “go to work” every morning! With that in mind, I won’t keep you in suspense anymore. Let’s get into it! But first, let’s start with the sad before image.

Like I said, it was a glorified storage unit. This picture was taken several years ago at the start of my design process. But even with the few changes I’d made—purchasing my desk (more on that later) and a shelving unit I eventually sold—it still was pretty sad.

But now, she’s a full on SHOWSTOPPER!

Shop the Room:

My office may have taken me the longest to pull together, but it was worth every minute of the journey because it turned out exactly how I envisioned it. I didn’t find myself having to make a single design compromise. Probably because I took my time. Since there was no rush (what’s another year at this point? lol), I was able to really do a thorough search for the right pieces to complete the space.

For example, the first of these green chairs—which have been a huge hit—were purchased back in April of last year. I later ordered a second one this past November. My canvas artwork I searched for for months and finally found just last month and built a custom frame for it.

“Fierce”  by Aaron Polin – iCanvas Art

Now, let’s talk about this desk! It was the first thing I purchased for the room—over 2 years ago. I came across it online after months of searching for the perfect desk. I wanted something unique and not just the typical black or white wooden desk. This one from Cythnia Rowley for Hooker Furniture collection more than fit the bill. It was just what I was looking for in every way…except the price. At almost $3000, I just couldn’t bring myself to make such an extravagant purchase. So I went to work trying to find it at a better price. And I succeeded! I had to wait a few months for one to pop up, but I eventually found it at Homenclature in northwest Indiana for a third of the price.

The bold floral pattern is something you don’t see very often on an office desk and if you know me you know I can never resist a moody floral. It was literally love at first sight.

Curtain panels – Amazon | Braided Chairs – | Fleur de Glee Desk – Cynthia Rowley (sold out) | Artwork – iCanvas | Hide rug – Amazon

This chandelier was also one of the first items I purchased for my office to replace the constantly flickering LED chandelier that was original to the apartment. It was a splurge item (but gifted courtesy of Z Gallerie) and I knew it was the perfect touch of glam the second I saw it. Even better, I installed it myself with zero experience. So if you’re thinking about swapping out light fixtures in your place, don’t be afraid to go for it. (If you rent like me, make sure to keep the old fixture to replace before you move out.)

I also really love the medallion I placed around the chandelier. It was a bit of a spur of the moment decision that really paid off in a big way. It’s the perfect amount of visual detail for the “5th wall” and adds to the vintage glam vibe in the room. But word of advice: paint it before you place it on the ceiling instead of after like I did. Your back and neck will thank you.

Chandelier – Z Gallerie (sold out) ; similar here & here

I also changed the door knobs and hinges on the closet in my office from the original chrome ones to gold to match the rest of the room. Those little details make such a major difference in a space and doesn’t cost a ton to do it. Again, I kept all the old ones to put back.

Diptyque candle – “Figuier” | Brown Bohemians | Vogue 100 – A Century of Style

One of my favorite things about my office is the fact that the paint color changes so dramatically depending on the time of day. I used the color Tavern Taupe from Behr* which is perfect cross between taupe and mauve. The pink, brown and purple undertones are the perfect backdrop for all of the rich jewel tones in the space. When you’re standing in the room, the color cocoons you and makes the room feel really intimate. It’s a small room so I wanted to work with the size instead of against it so I painted the entire room—including the ceiling and doors. All the walls kind of disappear and instead you just feel lost in the richness of the color.

I had the trim installed by Ace Hardware Handyman Services. You guys know I love a good DIY, but I was neck deep in my Amazon Drop launch and really couldn’t spare the time. Ace did an excellent job and got the work done incredibly fast for a great rate.

*The walls are an eggshell finish and the trim is high gloss. I wanted to add a little textural contrast to the space while maintaining the monochromatic tones.

Mid-day light (above) | Late night light (below)

I could go on and on about this room. I love it that much! But I imagine you guys came for the pictures and the links so I’d spare you my excited rambling. lol. But if there’s any major details or burning questions I left out (I’m a little rusty at this blogging thing), ask and I’ll answer.

Shop the Room:

“There’s beauty in taking yo’ damn time.”